About

Studio Darkashter Start Dash!

€2,171

pledged of €1,500 goal

24

backers

~ When backing this project, make sure to regularly check up on the updates section! It will contain updates on my progress in the studio and on rewards! ~Sorry for the layout being a little wonky, I have limited ways to fix it in the text editor that Kickstarter provides <3

Creating Studio Darkashter: Your Gateway into the fantasy realm of your dreams. Fantastic and Fashionable shoots, Education and Entertainment. Let me show you there's no limit to your imagination!

Index for your convenience: 1. My journey - A little Introduction about me, why Kickstarter.2. How I plan to kick off - A crudely drawn action plan of how I planned my first months.3. What will Studio Darkakashter do(Long term)? - A summary of main activities long term4. Honestly? - A more personal and from the heart bit of info, that says how I feel.5. Cost Breakdown - An explanation how I got to my money goal, in the form of a materials list of the most important things I need to get going and a small explanation of what else to keep in mind.6. What's More: - An explanation to what other things I still need, that aren't as vital as the things in the main list, but still important.7. Explanation about rewards - What the tags in the rewards mean, and other options.8. Bonus! - A little extra gesture of goodwill from meRisks and ChallengesPossible Risks And Challenges I came up with and how I'll overcome them if they would indeed happen.

1. My journeyHi, I'm mostly known as Lilith Vanderstorme, a twenty-something fantasy fanatic that has entered the fantasy world and community through steampunk some years ago, and now focussing on photography under the alias "Darkashter". After calling myself an artist for almost over a decade now, be it in costume making, drawing, modeling, makeup or photography, I've finally been making big and small steps to getting my very own photo studio up and running. To set up my studio I've been doing things like starting to work on a Kickstarter, registering my business, registering a phone number, getting a bank account and signing my studio space contract. I have even resigned from my steady job, in order to commit fully to my studio and art!

This Kickstarter was created to have my studio up and running as quickly as possible, and because I want to involve you in it. If I will not reach my goal, I will still furnish my studio. It will, however, take more effort and time. When I do reach my goal I will be able to focus on the things I truly want to do and you all are able to enjoy my art, services and a very very happy Lilith. Most of my art and entertainment is available on the internet for free, and when I make it to my goal, you'll be able to enjoy it again way sooner!

Here's a couple of portraits I took, make-ups I've done, costumes I created. Find all the photo credits on my Facebook page (click the photo!)

2. How I plan to kick offPer July 24 I started working in the studio on a daily basis. In the weeks prior to that, I have come up with an action plan for my first 3 months. During my time at the factory, the steady job that I have now retired from, I have saved up for the studio rent deposit + 3 months of studio rent, plus my private fixed costs including healthcare, phone, and the vital groceries. This will cover exactly 3 months without income if I live parsimoniously (nl: zuinig).

The first month(August) I will mainly be focussed on Promoting my Kickstarter, working on administrative chores, looking into a website, designing business cards and preparing to deliver the Kickstarter rewards. I also have two main events scheduled in August on which I will be able to network and promote my studio and talk about the Kickstarter. (Come see me if you're there! The events are Castlefest and D.E.S.C.) I will also vlog the first week in the studio and finally do new videos!

The second month(September) I will start ordering the materials I need to provide the rewards that were claimed and see if I can schedule the first Dates for shoots etc. I will also start working on photo shoot offers and workshops, online and in the studio, that I can be booked for later. In the third month(October) the studio should be up and running with daily activities, and by then I probably have a proper idea of how to plan in activities and when to Livestream and provide lessons for who wants to learn.

The goal is to have enough customers to get by with the studio before the end of the 3 months. Though I expect it to be doable, It's risky to just assume I will succeed. Therefore I have applied(and got hired, yay!) for a part-time job in a store in my town to have at least a little income.

3. What will Studio Darkashter do (long term)?Studio Darkashter will have Photography as the main focus. The most important things I will be doing in the studio is doing what I'm good at: Fantasy/Fashion Photography.

For those who want to emerge in the fantasy world, be it models, or people who just want to taste the rainbow so to say, I will offer a variety of shoot packages that may include services such as Makeup, styling/hair, and extra picture retouches. Cosplayers may send character references for proper posing during the shoot and proper retouch afterward.

For models of all ages and all levels of seriousness there will be workshops about posing for the camera, dealing with photographers(when you do want to shoot with them, but also when you don't), what to bring to a shoot and how to discuss such matters, and even workshops on maintaining a portfolio.

For Photographers there will be workshops on how to pose your models, communicating with them, and preparing for photo shoots from your side of the photo shoot. There will also be lessons available on photography and photo-editing, or you can pick a one-time Portfolio review session where you can discuss one on one the questions you may have about getting better, more creative or any other photography related subject.

In general:What I'm aiming for is to have shoots and workshops that have high quality, and add a little something special. I aim to use my strengths to give comfortable experiences and for the workshops I want them to be relaxed and educative, to be something that gives the pupil, be it a model or a photographer, new insights in one way or another, and a good memory to think back to.

Extra: Another strength that I have is that I have experience in different art disciplines like drawing, costume making, styling, modeling and makeup for example, which can be of extra value for all the things i will be doing that are named above. Furthermore, I will be offering services related to my other qualities too when I have set up the primary activities of my studio. For example, I will be creating costumes and giving drawing lessons at a later time.

4. Honestly?I'm dead scared to be doing this journey. I have been told by professionals to not let the crowd see my weaknesses, to show confidence and to always shine, even if there are setbacks, and to be professional. I am the kind of person who wants to put actual effort into being of value, to enrich other people's lives and develop my own personality while doing it. I want to be a good studio-owner/photographer/model/vlogger or Instagram example for everyone, and I'm sometimes scared I may be failing.

However, this, what I'm doing now, is an adventure, and I dare see it that way. It is a dream I have fought for my whole life and that I will forever fight for. I will try to involve people in it to grow together, to develop together and to make art together, to inspire. To get people to be creative for themselves and get curious about the things that happen outside the box, but are so much more in reach than you would initially have thought. To show people that if you wish it, you can make the first steps towards it, just like I did when dreaming of owning a studio.

I feel my hands trembling with passion while typing, even though when I read back everything I wrote sounds so freaking cliché, I will not rewrite it because this is how I feel it.

I dare to believe I can do this, reach my goals, even if it takes me a year or maybe lots of years to get to a point where I can sustain myself. I dare imagine I might have underestimated the impact of the work I'm making, and that in a year I will have more work and collaborations than I could've hoped for. I'm going the miles, with or without you, but I hope you DO all want to join the bandwagon, so we can start outside the very beginners area. Your participation means we can give the studio a flying start instead of having to build up slowly first. Quests are more fun with more people. It's going to be a great, exciting and adventurous ride!

So here's a list of the things that I need to get for my studio to properly kick off this new adventure and approximate costs:

5. Materials List- Desk (≈ €175) I will, of course, need a place to sit down and work retouches etc. What I'm currently thinking of getting: https://tinyurl.com/ybt95ukn

- Proper Desk chair (≈ €200) For sitting ergonomically, I will be in my studio more than home after all. I yet have to find a proper chair, but they seem to be around that price.

- PhotoStudio Paper Backdropscroll and Stands (≈ €250) I'm looking at something like this right now: https://tinyurl.com/y8y7h2vt With about four extra colors of backdrops; white, black, green and another.

Again, sorry for the layout being a little wonky, I have limited ways to fix it in the text editor that Kickstarter provides <3

All the listed (and shown) above comes down to around €1500. I have set the goal for this project a little higher to take into account the fees that come with Kickstarter.Kickstarter fees: ( you don't have to worry about these, I'm just listing the costs that will be deducted, for me to take into account!)Kickstarter fee: 5% of total funds raised Payment processing: fees 3% + €0.20 per pledge Pledges under €10 have a discounted micro pledge fee of 5% + €0.05 per pledgeWhat's also important to know is that this list is an indication. On the day I will actually order materials I'm going to search the web again for possible discount offers etc. You never know if you get lucky, right?

Taxes: Since I will be doing this as my organization I will have to pay taxes, being 21%. However, because All the funds that are coming from this are going to be spent on furniture, of which I get 21% back, these taxes are nothing to worry about at all. Err? Explained in another way: Say I reach my €1500 Goal, I would have to pay 21% tax, being €315. However, I am going to buy €1500 worth of furniture, of which €315 are taxes. That will mean I have paid the taxes through buying materials. Still confused? Let's put it like this: I won't have to worry about taxes because I'm spending all the money!:P

And that's exactly what you're helping with! Naturally, I could've looked for some of these at thrift shops, and I've considered doing so and might still do so for the other things I need. However, Since this for me feels like a new start, and I want to do this the best I can I feel having a studio that looks well thought over and professional, and in one pre-determined style would be the best thing to go with.

6. What's more:What I listed above are the basic things I think I will need to properly start off with the plans that I wrote about earlier. There are more things I thought of that could prove useful and will work for when working in the studio. I wanted to list them to you as well so that when I reach more than 100% of my goal, you know that your money is still contributing to the goal.

These are the studio things I'll be getting if I reach over 100%: (not in order of importance)1. New studio lights. I have the cheapest of the cheapest. You don't see that in the pictures, but you feel it when you work with them. 2. Large computer screen for a better view during workshops or classes. 3. A table to sit people down on during workshops or classes. 4. Pillows, rug, fairy lights, anything that makes the studio cozy! 5. A new laptop. The one I'm working on is starting to more frequently give blue screens, and I'm afraid one day it'll corrupt all my files. 6. A wardrobe for storing fabric, costumes and props. 7. Materials and props to create an awesome set to shoot on. 8. Special makeup for special shoots. 9. Tablet for organizing agenda and flashing portfolio 10. Old phone screen repair, so that I can use it for just business.

7. Explanation about rewards! To make it easier for you to see what rewards can be claimed from outside the Netherlands, since not all my followers are from around, I decided to tag my rewards.

This is what the tags mean:[Excl] are Kickstarter exclusives and won't return later in products I'll be offering.[Int] are rewards that can be claimed internationally, you don't have to be able to get to the Netherlands. [Studio] You'll have to physically be able to get to the studio to claim your reward. Unless, of course, you pledge a donation for a shoot and you want to give it away to someone, then do as you please!

Other rewardsYou want something specific, but the reward isn't there, or there's not enough space on the rewards listed. I can still add new rewards after I launched my project, if you wish for me to do so, please contact me, and we'll discuss possibilities!

Claiming your reward and due-dateThe estimated delivery dates are, well, estimated. When the Kickstarter finishes, I want to get to working on everyone's reward as soon as possible. Because I can not know for sure how popular every reward will be yet, I decided to put broadly estimated due-dates. Chances are that you'll be able to get your reward a little sooner than the due-date. In either case, I will be messaging you here on Kickstarter when It's your turn to get your reward.

Getting multiple rewards:You can only select one reward to pledge for in the Kickstarter, but If you're itching to get more, this is what you can do:Send me a pm or an email with the rewards you want, and add up the donation amounts. For example, you want The photography workshop, (Donation value €95) and the photo retouch reward (donation value €25), together that makes €120. Because for this event I need you to pledge through Kickstarter, be sure to select the reward that has a limit on it, to secure your spot, and change the donation amount to the donation total. In this example the Photography workshop has a limit of 5 attendants, so make sure to select that reward when you pledge.

In steps:1. Calculate total donation value (Ex: €120)2. When pledging, Select the reward with a limit (Ex. Photography workshop)3. Send me an email or PM with your Intentions. (Dear Lilith, I pledged €120 on the Photography workshop with €95 value, and would like to claim the reward of the Photo edit for the remaining €25)

I just want to donate, what do I do with the reward?Why thank you, that's great! If you want to help out, but don't feel the need for claiming a reward, simply use the option "Pledge with no reward" on the pledging page. You can type in whatever donation you want to donate, and not be bothered with the rewards. If you want a certain reward, but you want to donate more, just select the reward you want, and change the donation amount to what you want to donate!

8. Bonus! I'm very grateful that people want to donate to my cause, and every donator is rewarded with the reward they choose. So here's a bonus: every person that donates €15 or more automatically enters my start dash giveaway! Details on the giveaway will be announced In the updates later.

Thank you all so much for reading everything and being sympathetic to my cause <3

Risks and challenges

When specifically looking at the current project the first risk that comes to mind is that the set rewards and their arrival dates can be delayed if this project turns out a success, and more popular than expected.
This is actually my main concern as I want everyone to feel happy about this project, during and after the running time of it. So on that note, I would really like to let you know that the due dates on the rewards are approximate and that there is a chance that there will be delays. I hope you will all have the patience and understanding for that! Rest assured, however, I am going to make sure that all the rewards will be claimable before the end of the year. <3

Another risk, of course, is that I will not reach my goal. The reason I started this Kickstarter, besides being of the opinion that it would be a really fun way to raise funds to buy my studio interior to start off properly, is because I need to know that you guys are here with me, and are also serious when you say you love my work and would really want to work with me.
Though if I turn out not making it to my goal I'll go and get all the things I need for my studio anyway, It's not like I'm going to give up, of course not! It wil, however, take me a little to a lot longer to really start doing what I want to do. It would also be an indication to me that I will need to work a little harder, produce a little more, promote myself a little better so that people know of my work and get a clear idea of what I offer.

A long term, but small risk of the studio adventure will be that I don't manage to get enough customers to be able to pay for the monthly costs I have from the studio, the main thing being rent. I signed a year contract, so if it comes to having an income that is too low I will make sure to work a side job(I already got one, so that's covered) to cover the costs of the studio until I manage to get the income up again.

Taking a new step is always a risk, but I'm willing to risk it and I'm ready to overcome the challenges I may face.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge €5 or more
About $6

[Excl] [Int.] Personal thank you selfie!

Thank you for thinking about me! Even if you don't have a lot to spend, but you emphatize with my goals, this is the way to go. Leave me a message with your email or facebook and I'll pm you my thank you selfie!! <3

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €7 or more
About $8

[Excl] [Int.] The interview!

I will skype you, and I will interview you! We'll have a little chat on skype, and I will be asking you fantasy/photography/modeling related questions. I wil will ask you a few questions, and I will edit at least one of them into a Youtube video! And as a bonus? You get to ask me questions too!
You will have to provide me with your skype though!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €10 or more
About $11

[Excl][Int] Photo of us wherever you are

I love it when people want to take selfies with me! But how do we do that when you're so far away?
No problem, send me a picture of yourself in which it looks like you would be standing next to me, and I'll photoshop myself right in! I'll even sign it for you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €12 or more
About US$ 14

[Excl] [Int.] Small photoretouch for fun

Admit it, you've always wanted to be super glam in your selfies and outfit of the day posts, even if it was just for shits and giggles. Here's an example: https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19399032_1439865912771673_2317112330964990633_n.jpg?oh=798e0918c2414b3231d6798da5af20af&oe=59CF4CF2

Just send me a non professional picture that you want done, and I'll get to work!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €17 or more
About US$ 19

[Studio] Posing for a photo-coaching

You've always wanted to model for me(or someone else ofcourse há!) but you haven't had the courage untill now because you feel you're not good enough, or you don't have the experience, or you really do have the courage but you just want to get better, or you're actually not a model?

Fret not! With this reward you will be invited to come to the model coaching day of which the date will be worked around later.
For about two hours long on a sweet afternoon I will be coaching you and max. 4 others assisted by experienced model Christina Critter in the art of modeling (when there's more than 5 people interested, there will be more classes).

We'll be going over poses, expressions and lots of tips and do's and don't's that will get you ready for any shoot!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €17 or more
About US$ 19

[Studio] How to pose your model coaching

As a photographer that is interested in working with models you have likely encountered or thought of the possibility of a situation in which you will have to instruct your model on posing just right for your picture.
Even if you're not shy, or if you really know of a model what you want them to do, it may still be tricky to let them know what you want from them.

In this two hours coaching session, together with experienced model Christina Critter, I will explain to you how to approach a model, share tips and tricks and give space for discussion about situations you may have encountered and how to handle them.

a coaching session will have max 5 attendants, so that everyone gets to get a moment to ask a thing! (With more people interested there will be more coaching moments)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €25 or more
About US$ 28

[Int.] Professional Picture Edit

For this pledge I will retouch or photomanipulate your picture! Be it a cosplay, a fantasy picture or just something casual, I'll make it even fancier. Depending on how heavy the retouch I will edit one to three of your pictures of one set, so to prevent miscommunications, make sure you let me know before you pick this reward what you would like to have edited and how, so that we can see if it's doable in a reasonable amount of time.

Please make sure to collect written permission with contact included from all the parties that were involved in making your picture.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €50 or more
About US$ 57

[Studio]/[Int] Portfolio review

I welcome you in my studio for an afternoon of sharing my experiences, tips and tricks, and for us to go over your portfolio together. Be sure to bring a nice portfolio of at least 12 of your best works and prepare some questions, so that we have something to talk about the entire time, and you'll get the most out of it!
Oh, and I'll be taking care of lunch! (we'll get in contact to discuss time and date and potential allergies!;D)

Alternatively, If you're not able to come to the Studio because It's far away, we can do it over skype. You still have to prepare though, The more questions you have properly prepared, the more you'll learn!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €85 or more
About $97

[Studio] Fantasy Photoshoot

Come to my studio for a portrait fotoshoot in fantasy style! We'll discuss the theme of the photoshoot before you come to the studio, to make sure it's what you want.
You will receive 3 edited waist-up portraits of professional modeling quality for personal and portfolio use.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €95 or more
About US$ 108

[Studio] Photography Workshop

Featuring Nienke v/d Griendt (Dingelientje) as the model and Iris Scholte as the makeup artist, I will take you through "Do's and Don'ts" and the process of Studio portrait photography.

We'll do a round of names, to learn on what lever everyone attending is, and what their goals are. You may ask a few questions during or afterwards, so prepare your questions if you have any! I will explain several things about the procedure of my shoots and you will have the opportunity to try it out yourself! Bring your camera!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €100 or more
About $114

[EXCL][Studio] Intern for a day!

You may shadow me all day! We'll pick a day on which you can come visit and see how I do my day.
Things I do on a day may involve a selfportraitshoot, streaming on twitch, editing photos, working out shoot moodboards and contacting my team, giving a photoshop class.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €110 or more
About $125

[Studio] Fantasy shoot+1 +full

Come to my studio for a portrait and fullbody fotoshoot in fantasy style! We'll discuss the theme of the photoshoot before you come to the studio, to make sure it's what you want.
You will receive 4 edited pictures, from full body to portrait, of professional modeling quality for personal and portfolio use.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €150 or more
About $171

[Studio] Shoot for two

A casual photoshoot for you and your love, or best friend or mother, pick anyone really.
You and your +1 will be invited to the studio for an afternoon to do a photoshoot together. You will receive 6 fully edited images afterwards; by default 2 of you, 2 of your +1 and 2 of you together.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge €200 or more
About $228

[Studio] Duo Shoot in fantasy style!

A photoshoot for you and your love, or best friend or mother, pick anyone really.
You and your +1 will be invited to the studio for an afternoon to do a photoshoot together.

You will receive 6 edited pictures of professional modeling quality for personal and portfolio use afterwards; by default 2 of you, 2 of your +1 and 2 of you together. Wether you want pictures together or not, and the theme of the photoshoot will be discussed befor earrival, so that we can make the most out of it. We'll discuss what clothes you'll bring and what I can supply, and I'll give you styling advice.